Retractable wall mounted weightlifting bench system

ABSTRACT

A retractable wall mounted weightlifting bench system for that is extended outwardly from the wall when in use and retracted towards the wall when not in use. The retractable wall mounted weightlifting bench system generally includes a mounting bracket adapted to be attached to a wall, a bench pivotally connected to the mounting bracket that has an extended position and a retracted position, a first support member pivotally attached to the bench and a second support member pivotally attached to the bench. The first surface of the bench is horizontal or inclined when in the extended position to be used as a weightlifting bench. The first surface of the bench is in a substantially vertical position when in the retracted position for compact storage of the bench near the wall.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/266,393 filed on Feb. 4, 2019 which issues as U.S. Pat. No.10,835,774 on Nov. 17, 2020 , which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/437,176 filed on Feb. 20, 2017 now issued asU.S. Pat. No. 10,195,479 , which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/297,515 filed Feb. 19, 2016. Each of theaforementioned patent applications, and any applications relatedthereto, is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND Field

Example embodiments in general relate to a retractable wall mountedweightlifting bench that is extended outwardly from the wall when in useand retracted towards the wall when not in use.

Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should inno way be considered as an admission that such related art is widelyknown or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Conventional weightlifting benches are typically comprised of ahorizontally orientated (or inclined) bench, a front pair of legsextending downwardly from a front portion of the bench and arear pair oflegs extending downwardly from a rear portion of the bench. Someconventional weightlifting benches have an adjustable incline to movebetween a horizontal state to an inclined state for performing varioustypes of weightlifting exercises.

One problem with conventional weightlifting benches is they arerelatively large and require a significant amount of storage space whennot in use. This is a particularly troublesome problem for smaller gymswhere space is a premium such as, but not limited to, home gyms. Inaddition, most weightlifting benches are constructed of heavy metalmaterials making them difficult and cumbersome to move around a gym.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment is directed to a retractable wall mountedweightlifting bench system. The retractable wall mounted weightliftingbench system includes a mounting bracket adapted to be attached to awall, a bench pivotally connected to the mounting bracket that has anextended position and a retracted position, a first support memberpivotally attached to the bench and a second support member pivotallyattached to the bench. The first surface of the bench is horizontal orinclined when in the extended position to be used as a weightliftingbench. The first surface of the bench is in a substantially verticalposition when in the retracted position for compact storage of the benchnear the wall.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments ofthe retractable wall mounted weightlifting bench system in order thatthe detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in orderthat the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.There are additional embodiments of the retractable wall mountedweightlifting bench system that will be described hereinafter and thatwill form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In thisrespect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the retractablewall mounted weightlifting bench system in detail, it is to beunderstood that the retractable wall mounted weightlifting bench systemis not limited in its application to the details of construction or tothe arrangements of the components set forth in the followingdescription or illustrated in the drawings. The retractable wall mountedweightlifting bench system is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposeof the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given herein below and the accompanying drawings, whereinlike elements are represented by like reference characters, which aregiven by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of theexample embodiments herein.

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a retractable wall mountedweightlifting bench attached to a wall in a retracted state inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 1b is a perspective view of a retractable wall mountedweightlifting bench in an intermediate state in accordance with anexample embodiment.

FIG. 1c is a perspective view of a retractable wall mountedweightlifting bench in an extended state in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 2a is a side view of a retractable wall mounted weightlifting benchattached to a wall in an extended state in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 2b is a side view of a retractable wall mounted weightlifting benchin an intermediate state in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2c is a side view of a retractable wall mounted weightlifting benchin a retracted state in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a retractable wall mountedweightlifting bench in an extended state in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 4a is a front perspective view of a retractable wall mountedweightlifting bench in an extended state in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 4b is an exploded front perspective view of a retractable wallmounted weightlifting bench in an extended state in accordance with anexample embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of a retractable wall mounted weightliftingbench in an extended state in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a retractable wall mounted weightlifting benchin an extended state in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a retractable wall mounted weightliftingbench in an extended state in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a retractable wall mounted weightlifting benchin an extended state in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a retractable wall mounted weightlifting benchin an extended state in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a retractable wall mountedweightlifting bench attached to a wall in a retracted state positionedbetween a wall mounted weightlifting rack also in a retracted state inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a retractable wall mountedweightlifting bench attached to a wall in an extended state with thebench at an incline in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a retractable wall mounted weightlifting benchattached to a wall in an extended state with the bench substantiallyhorizontal in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a retractable wall mounted weightlifting benchattached to a wall in an extended state with the bench at an incline inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a retractable wall mountedweightlifting bench attached to a wall in an extended state inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a retractable wall mountedweightlifting bench attached to a wall in a retracted state inaccordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Overview.

An example retractable wall mounted weightlifting bench system generallycomprises a mounting bracket 20 adapted to be attached to a wall 12, abench 42 pivotally connected to the mounting bracket 20 that has anextended position and a retracted position, a first support member 50pivotally attached to the bench 42 and a second support member 60pivotally attached to the bench 42. The first surface of the bench 42 ishorizontal or inclined when in the extended position to be used as aweightlifting bench 42. The first surface of the bench 42 is in asubstantially vertical position when in the retracted position forcompact storage of the bench 42 near the wall 12.

B. Mounting Bracket.

FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate an exemplary mounting bracket 20 adapted tobe attached to a wall 12 with fasteners 21 (e.g. bolts, screws).Apertures within the mounting bracket 20 receive the fasteners 21 asshown in FIG. 4b of the drawings. The mounting bracket 20 has a flatportion that is positioned against the wall 12 wherein the aperturesextend through the flat portion of the mounting bracket 20 for receivingthe fasteners 21 as shown in FIG. 4b of the drawings. The apertures arepreferably aligned with studs in the wall 12, but various otherconfigurations may be used for the apertures. The mounting bracket 20 isconstructed of a rigid material such as, but not limited to, metal.

The mounting bracket 20 further preferably includes a first side bracket22 and a second side bracket 24 that extend outwardly from the mountingbracket 20 to pivotally connect to the bench 42. The first side bracket22 is positioned on the left side of the bench 42 and the second sidebracket 24 is positioned on the right side of the bench 42. It isunderstood that various other configurations may be used for themounting bracket 20 and that the mounting bracket 20 may be comprised ofany structure capable of pivotally connecting the bench 42 to a wall 12.

C. Bench.

The bench 42 includes a first surface that is adapted to support a torsoof an exerciser when in the extended position. The first surface may becomprised of a cushion or non-cushion structure. The bench 42 includes afront end, a rear end opposite of the front end, a left side and a rightside opposite of the left side. The first surface is preferably flat andplanar with a size and shape sufficient to properly support the torso ofan exerciser during the performance of an exercise with or without abarbell or dumbbells (e.g. flat bench 42 press, incline bench 42 press,decline bench 42 press, dips, inclined dumbbell flies, declined dumbbellflies).

The bench 42 is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket 20 asillustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4 a of the drawings. The bench 42 ispreferably pivotally connected to the mounting bracket 20 about ahorizontal axis to move in an up-to-down manner and vice-versa asillustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9 of the drawings. However, the bench 42may be pivotally connected to the mounting bracket 20 in other mannersincluding, but not limited to, about a vertical axis wherein the bench42 would move in a side-to-side manner instead of an up-to-down manner.

The first surface of bench 42 has an elongated structure that has alength, a width and a longitudinal axis. The length of the first surfaceof the bench 42 is greater than the width of the first surface of thebench 42 as best illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings. When the bench42 is in the extended position, the first surface is the upper surfaceof the bench 42 that the exerciser positions the torso of their bodyupon to perform the exercise as illustrated in FIG. 1c . When the bench42 is in the retracted position, the first surface is either facingoutwardly from the wall 12 as shown in FIG. 1a or inwardly toward thewall 12 (not shown) depending upon the configuration of the pivotingsystem for the bench 42.

The bench 42 has an extended position as shown in FIGS. 1c, 2a , 11, 12and 13 of the drawings. In the extended position, the bench 42 is usableto perform various types of exercises traditionally performed on aweightlifting bench 42. The first surface of the bench 42 may have ahorizontal alignment when the bench 42 is in the extended position asshown in FIGS. 1c and 2a of the drawings. Alternatively, the firstsurface of the bench 42 may have an inclined (or declined) alignmentwhen the bench 42 is in the extended position as shown in FIGS. 11 and13 of the drawings.

The longitudinal axis of the bench 42 preferably extends in a directionthat is tangential to the wall 12 when the bench 42 is in the extendedposition as shown in FIG. 1c of the drawings. However, the bench 42 mayextend in a direction that is otherwise angled and not tangential withrespect to the wall 12 when in the extended position.

The front end of the bench 42 is distally positioned away from the wall12 when the bench 42 is in the extended position. The rear end of thebench 42 is also preferably distally positioned away from the wall 12when the bench 42 is in the extended position, but the rear end of thebench 42 is closer to the wall 12 than the front end of the bench 42when the bench 42 is in the extended position as shown in FIG. 2a of thedrawings. The distance from the wall 12 to the front end of the bench 42is significantly less when the bench 42 is in the retracted positionthan when the bench 42 is in the extended position as shown in FIGS. 2aand 2c of the drawings.

The bench 42 further has a retracted position to store the bench 42 in acompact state with limited space usage. The bench 42 is positioned near,adjacent or touching the wall 12 when in the retracted position asillustrated in FIGS. 1a and 2c of the drawings. The longitudinal axis ofthe bench 42 preferably extends in a direction that is parallel to thewall 12 when the bench 42 is in the retracted position as bestillustrated in FIG. 2c of the drawings. Though not required, the bench42 is preferably positioned higher above the floor 14 when in theretracted position than when the bench 42 is in the extended position asshown in FIGS. 2a and 2c of the drawings. The bench 42 is preferablysubstantially vertically orientated when in the retracted position toprovide for a compact position that is substantially flat near oragainst the outer surface of the wall 12 as shown in FIGS. 1a and 2c ofthe drawings. Alternatively, the bench 42 may be substantially flat nearor against the wall 12 in a horizontal alignment which is not shown inthe drawings.

The bench 42 may be comprised of a single structure configuration thatis pivotally attached to the mounting bracket 20 (not shown) or amulti-structure configuration that is pivotally attached to the mountingbracket 20. FIGS. 1a through 15 of the drawings illustrate amulti-structure configuration for the bench 42 that is foldable uponitself to provide a compact structure with respect to the wall 12 whenin the retracted position and an extended structure away from the wall12 when in the extended position.

In one embodiment, the bench 42 is comprised of a first segment 30pivotally connected to the hinge about a first hinge 31 and a secondsegment 40 pivotally connected to the first segment 30 about a secondhinge 41. The second segment 40 supports the first surface of the bench42 (e.g. a cushion or other type of platform structure to support theexerciser) as shown in FIGS. 1a through 2c of the drawings. The firstsegment 30 is used to extend the bench 42 away from the wall 12 when thebench 42 is in the extended position to allow for the performance ofexercises with dumbbells or bars without interface with the wall 12 orany surrounding retractable rack.

The first segment 30 and the second segment 40 may each be comprised ofa single unitary structure or multiple components to form the frame forthe bench 42. For example, FIG. 1c illustrates the first segment 30 ashaving an end portion that pivotally connects to the mounting bracket 20and a pair of support arms extending outwardly from the end portion in aparallel manner wherein the pair of support arms are pivotally connectedto the second segment 40. The second segment 40 supports the firstsurface such as a cushion or platform that the exerciser positions theirbody upon during the performance of an exercise. The first segment 30and the second segment 40 of the bench 42 are preferably substantiallyparallel with respect to one another in both the extended position andthe retracted position for the bench 42 as best illustrated in FIGS. 2aand 2c . When the bench 42 is in the retracted position, the firstsegment 30 and the second segment 40 of the bench 42 are preferablyfolded upon themselves in an overlapping manner to provide a flatterprofile with respect to the wall 12 as shown in FIG. 2c of the drawings.When the bench 42 is in the retracted position, the first surface of thebench 42 is preferably extends less than 6 inches outwardly from thewall 12 to provide a compact storage profile.

D. Folding Seat.

FIG. 11 illustrate an embodiment that includes a folding seat 80pivotally attached to the front end of the bench 42 which allows forextension of the first surface of the bench 42 when in the horizontalstate (FIG. 12) and that provides a seat for the exerciser with theremaining portion of the bench 42 supporting the back of the exerciserfor when the bench 42 is in an inclined state (FIGS. 11 and 13). Thefolding seat 80 is pivotally connected via a hinge and includes an armmember 82 pivotally extending downwardly that selectively engages one ofa plurality of extended members 86 that extend outwardly from the secondsupport member 60 to adjust the state of the folding seat 80 from flatto angled with respect to the first surface of the bench 42 as shown inFIGS. 11 through 13 of the drawings. The arm member 82 includes an endmember 84 that is preferably wider than the arm member 82 to selectivelyengage the upwardly-forwardly extending extended members 86. The foldingseat 80 also preferably includes a cushion to increase the comfort ofthe exerciser during the performance of an exercise. The folding seat 80is optional and not required for the invention.

E. Support Members.

FIGS. 1c, 2a , 3, 5 11 through 14 illustrate a first support member 50and a second support member 60 pivotally attached to the bench 42. Thesupport members engage the floor 14 or other type of ground surface toprovide support to the bench 42 when in the extended position. Thesupport members retract towards the bottom surface of the bench 42 whenthe bench 42 is in the retracted position to provide a compact storagestructure when not in use. The support members each form a leg structurethat supports the bench 42.

The first support member 50 is preferably positioned near the rear endof the bench 42 and the second support member 60 is preferablypositioned near the front end of the bench 42. It can be appreciatedthat the support members may be positioned in various locations alongthe bench 42. The support members extend downwardly and are verticalwhen the bench 42 is in the extended position to provide support andelevate the first surface of the bench 42 above the floor 14 asillustrated in FIGS. 1c and 2a of the drawings. The first support member50 is preferably pivotally connected to the first segment 30 of thebench 42 near the second hinge 41 as best illustrated in FIGS. 1b and 2bof the drawings. The second support member 60 is preferably pivotallyconnected to the second segment 40 of the bench 42 near the front end ofthe bench 42 as further shown in FIGS. 1b and 2b of the drawings. Thesecond support member 60 includes a base member 62 and the first supportmember 50 may also include a base structure.

The first support member 50 and the second support member 60 are notsubstantially parallel to the first surface of the bench 42 when thebench 42 is in the extended position and instead extend in a downwardvertical direction that is transverse to the first surface. The firstsupport member 50 and the second support member 60 are preferablysubstantially parallel to the first surface of the bench 42 when thebench 42 is in the retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 2c of thedrawings.

The lower end of the first support member 50 and the lower end of thesecond support member 60 are distally spaced above the floor 14 when inthe retracted position as further shown in FIG. 2c of the drawings. Thelower end of the first support member 50 and the lower end of the secondsupport member 60 engage the floor 14 when the bench 42 is in theextended position to support the bench 42 above the floor 14 as shown inFIGS. 2a and 11 through 14 of the drawings.

To keep the first support member 50 and the second support member 60aligned with one another, a first connector 70 and a second connector 72preferably extend between the first support member 50 and the secondsupport member 60 (pivotally connected thereto). The first connector 70and the second connector 72 ensure than the support members are alignedparallel with respect to one another when the bench 42 is in theextended position and the retracted position. The first connector 70 andthe second connector 72 are preferably parallel with respect to oneanother as illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b of the drawings.

The first support member 50 and the second support member 60 eachpreferably has approximately the same length when the support membersare non-adjustable in length to provide for a level first surface of thebench 42 when in the extended position. However, the support members mayhave different lengths when non-adjustable to provide an inclined bench42 structure (not shown). Alternatively, one or both of the supportmembers may have an adjustable length to provide for an inclined bench42 as shown in FIG. 13 or a declined bench 42 (not shown) as discussedfurther herein.

F. Adjustable Pitch Angle Bench Embodiment.

The pitch angle (i.e. incline or decline) of the bench 42 may be staticor adjustable. FIGS. 11 through 13 illustrate an embodiment where theincline of the bench 42 is adjustable and not static. In an adjustablepitch angle embodiment, either or both of the first support member 50 orthe second support member 60 may be adjustable in length to provide fora desired pitch angle for the bench 42. For example, the first supportmember 50 may include a telescoping leg 52 that is adjustable in lengthwith respect to the main portion of the first support member 50. Movingthe telescoping leg 52 upwardly or downwardly with respect to the mainportion of the first support member 50 determines the height of the rearportion of the bench 42 thereby determining the pitch angle (incline ordecline) of the bench 42. Various types of locking structures may beused to releasably lock the position of the telescoping leg 52 such as alocking device 54 (e.g. index plunger) that extends into a selected holewithin the telescoping leg 52.

G. Retracted Position Retention Structures.

In one embodiment, a first actuator 26 is pivotally connected to thebench 42 and is adapted to be pivotally connected directly to the wall12 or mounting bracket 20. The first actuator 26 applies an upwardbiasing force to the bench 42 to assist in lifting the bench 42 upwardlyinto the retracted position and to keep the bench 42 in the retractedposition once the bench 42 is in the vertical storage position as shownin FIG. 2c of the drawings. A second actuator 27 may also be pivotallyconnected to the bench 42 that is adapted to be pivotally connected tothe wall 12 or mounting bracket 20. The second actuator 27 applies anupward biasing force to the bench 42 to assist in lifting the bench 42upwardly into the retracted position and to keep the bench 42 in theretracted position once the bench 42 is in the vertical storage positionas shown in FIG. 2c of the drawings. The first actuator 26 and thesecond actuator 27 may be comprised of various types of actuators thatprovide a biasing force such as, but not limited to, linear actuators.Examples of suitable linear actuators include, but are not limited to,gas actuators, gas springs, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators,hydraulic gas lift support arms, spring actuators, mechanicalcompression struts, compression actuators, dampers and the like. Theactuators may also be rotary actuators such as, but not limited to,torsion springs, coil springs and the like. The actuators may bemotorized such as an electro-mechanical actuator or servomotor actuatorto lift the present invention from the extended position to theretracted position without the user having to lift the structure. Inaddition, a ratchet system may be connected to the arms to prevent therack system from lowering during a lifting procedure.

Alternatively to or in addition to the actuators 26, 27, a holdingbracket 90 may be provided that is adapted to be attached to the wall 12above the mounting bracket 20 for selectively connecting to the bench 42when the bench 42 is in the retracted position to prevent the bench 42from leaving the retracted position as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 of thedrawings. A connector (e.g. loop, hook, eyelet, etc.) is attached to thebench 42 that removably connects to the holding bracket 90 when thebench 42 is in the retracted position to prevent the bench 42 frommoving out of the retracted position. The connector may be movable ornon-movable with respect to the bench 42.

In an embodiment, a connecting member 92 is movably connected to theholding bracket 90 to selectively engage the bench 42 when in theretracted position. The connecting member 92 is adapted to selectivelyengage the connector to prevent the bench 42 from moving out of theretracted position. FIG. 14 illustrates the connecting member 92 as asliding device but the connecting member 92 may be a stationary devicesuch as a loop or hook.

H. Operation of Preferred Embodiment.

In use, the mounting bracket 20 is attached to the wall 12 withfasteners 21 as shown in FIGS. 1a through 2c and 10 through 15 of thedrawings. The mounting bracket 20 is positioned a height above the floor14 corresponding to the height of the support members as shown in FIG.2a of the drawings. The mounting bracket 20 may be attached to a wall 12with no exercise equipment, or the mounting bracket 20 may be attachedbetween a retractable wall mounted exercise rack 16 such as shown inFIG. 10 of the drawings. U.S. Pat. No. 9,333,387 illustrates anexemplary retractable wall mounted exercise rack 16 suitable for use inconjunction with the embodiments of the present invention and is herebyincorporated by reference.

Once the retractable wall mounted weightlifting bench 42 is attached tothe wall 12 and in the compact retracted position shown in FIG. 1a ofthe drawings, the exerciser is then able to use the weightlifting bench42 as desired by pulling the bench 42 downwardly (or moving sidewaysdepending upon the pivot axis used for the first hinge 31). Theexerciser moves the bench 42 into the extended position which extendsoutwardly from the wall 12 in a horizontal manner (FIGS. 1c and 2a ), aninclined manner (FIGS. 11 and 13), or a declined manner (not shown). Ifusing an adjustable pitch angle embodiment, the user will adjust thelength of the first support member 50 and/or the second support member60 to achieve the desired height of the front end and the rear end ofthe bench 42 resulting in a desired pitch angle for the bench 42. In anembodiment with a folding seat 80, the exerciser will adjust the foldingseat 80 to a desired angle depending upon the exercise to be performed.The exerciser then performs the exercise using the bench 42 as desired.The exerciser may adjust the pitch angle of the bench 42 at varioustimes to perform different exercises. Once finished with the performanceof exercises, the exerciser then moves the bench 42 back into theretracted position to reduce the amount of space used up by the bench 42by lifting upwardly on the bench 42 so the bench 42 enters anintermediate position (FIGS. 1b and 2b ) then continues to move thebench 42 toward the wall 12 until the bench 42 is substantially parallelwith respect to the wall 12 (FIGS. 1a and 2c ).

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the retractable wall mounted weightlifting benchsystem, suitable methods and materials are described above. Allpublications, patent applications, patents, and other referencesmentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to theextent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The retractable wallmounted weightlifting bench system may be embodied in other specificforms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof,and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered inall respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilizedwithin the description are for convenience only and have no legal orlimiting effect.

What is claimed is:
 1. A retractable wall mountable weightlifting bench,comprising: a mounting bracket adapted to be attached to a wall; a benchhaving a first surface, a front end, a rear end opposite to the frontend, a left side and a right side opposite to the left side; wherein thebench is comprised of a first segment pivotally attached to the mountingbracket about a first horizontal axis and a second segment pivotallyattached to the first segment about a second horizontal axis; whereinthe bench has an extended position and a retracted position; wherein thefirst segment and the second segment are parallel with respect to oneanother in both the extended position and the retracted position;wherein the first segment and the second segment are folded in anoverlapping manner when in the retracted position; wherein the firstsurface of the bench is horizontal or inclined when in the extendedposition; wherein the first surface of the bench is adapted to support atorso of an exerciser when in the extended position; wherein the benchis positioned near the wall when in the retracted position; wherein thefront end of the bench is distally positioned away from the wall whenthe bench is in the extended position; wherein the rear end of the benchis closer to the wall than the front end of the bench when the bench isin the extended position; wherein the bench is vertically orientatedwhen in the retracted position; wherein a distance from the wall to thefront end of the bench is significantly less when the bench is in theretracted position than when the bench is in the extended position; afirst support member pivotally attached to the bench; and wherein thefirst support member is not parallel to the first surface of the benchwhen the bench is in the extended position; wherein the first supportmember is parallel to the first surface of the bench when the bench isin the retracted position.
 2. The retractable wall mountableweightlifting bench of claim 1, including a first actuator pivotallyconnected to the first segment of the bench, wherein the first actuatoris adapted to be pivotally connected to the wall or mounting bracket,and wherein the first actuator applies an upward biasing force to thebench to assist in lifting the bench upwardly into the retractedposition.
 3. The retractable wall mountable weightlifting bench of claim2, including a second actuator pivotally connected to the first segmentof the bench, wherein the second actuator is adapted to be pivotallyconnected to the wall or mounting bracket, and wherein the secondactuator applies an upward biasing force to the bench to assist inlifting the bench upwardly into the retracted position.
 4. Theretractable wall mountable weightlifting bench of claim 1, wherein alongitudinal axis of the bench extends in a direction that is tangentialto the wall when the bench is in the extended position.
 5. Theretractable wall mountable weightlifting bench of claim 4, wherein thelongitudinal axis of the bench extends in a direction that is parallelto the wall when the bench is in the retracted position.
 6. Theretractable wall mountable weightlifting bench of claim 1, wherein thefirst support member is pivotally attached to the first segment of thebench and including a second support member pivotally attached to thesecond segment of the bench.
 7. The retractable wall mountableweightlifting bench of claim 6, including a first connector extendingbetween the first support member and the second support member.
 8. Theretractable wall mountable weightlifting bench of claim 1, wherein thebench is positioned higher when in the retracted position than when thebench is in the extended position.
 9. The retractable wall mountableweightlifting bench of claim 1, wherein a lower end of the first supportmember is distally spaced above a floor when in the retracted position,and wherein the lower end of the first support member engages the floorwhen the bench is in the extended position.
 10. The retractable wallmountable weightlifting bench of claim 1, wherein the bench includes acushion attached to the second segment.
 11. The retractable wallmountable weightlifting bench of claim 1, including a second supportmember pivotally attached to the bench, and a first connector extendingbetween the first support member and the second support member.
 12. Theretractable wall mountable weightlifting bench of claim 1, including aseat movably attached to the bench near the front end of the bench. 13.The retractable wall mountable weightlifting bench of claim 1, includinga holding bracket adapted to be attached to the wall above the mountingbracket, and a connector attached to the bench that removably connectsto the holding bracket when the bench is in the retracted position toprevent the bench from moving out of the retracted position.
 14. Theretractable wall mountable weightlifting bench of claim 1, wherein thefirst support member includes a telescoping leg, wherein adjusting alength of the first support member by the telescoping leg adjust a pitchangle of the bench.
 15. A method of using the retractable wall mountableweightlifting bench of claim 1, comprising: moving the bench into theextended position; performing an exercise on the bench by the exerciserwhile the bench is in the extended position; and moving the bench intothe retracted position.
 16. A retractable wall mountable weightliftingbench, comprising: a mounting bracket adapted to be attached to a wall;a bench having a front end, a rear end opposite of the front end, a leftside and a right side opposite of the left side, wherein the bench ispivotally connected to the mounting bracket about a horizontal axis,wherein the bench has an elongated structure that has a length, a widthand a longitudinal axis, wherein the length is greater than the width ofthe bench, and wherein the bench includes a first surface; wherein thebench is comprised of a first segment pivotally attached to the mountingbracket and a second segment pivotally attached to the first segment;wherein the bench has an extended position and a retracted position;wherein the first surface of the bench is horizontal or inclined when inthe extended position; wherein the first surface of the bench is adaptedto support a torso of an exerciser when in the extended position;wherein the bench is positioned near the wall when in the retractedposition; wherein the front end of the bench is distally positioned awayfrom the wall when the bench is in the extended position; wherein therear end of the bench is closer to the wall than the front end of thebench when the bench is in the extended position; wherein the bench isvertically orientated when in the retracted position; wherein a distancefrom the wall to the front end of the bench is significantly less whenthe bench is in the retracted position than when the bench is in theextended position; and a first support member pivotally attached to thefirst segment of the bench; wherein the first support member is notparallel to the first surface of the bench when the bench is in theextended position; wherein the first support member is parallel to thefirst surface of the bench when the bench is in the retracted position;wherein a lower end of the first support member is distally spaced abovea floor when in the retracted position, and wherein the lower end of thefirst support member engages the floor when the bench is in the extendedposition.
 17. A method of using the retractable wall mountableweightlifting bench of claim 16, comprising: moving the bench into theextended position; performing an exercise on the bench by the exerciserwhile the bench is in the extended position; and moving the bench intothe retracted position.
 18. A retractable wall mountable weightliftingbench, comprising: a mounting bracket adapted to be attached to a wall;a bench having a front end, a rear end opposite to the front end, a leftside and a right side opposite to the left side, wherein the bench ispivotally connected to the mounting bracket, wherein the bench has anelongated structure that has a length, a width and a longitudinal axis,wherein the length is greater than the width of the bench, and whereinthe bench includes a first surface; a seat movably attached to the benchnear the front end of the bench, wherein the seat has a flat state andan inclined state, wherein the seat is parallel to the first surface ofthe bench when in the flat state and wherein the seat is angled withrespect to the first surface of the bench when in the inclined state;wherein the bench has an extended position and a retracted position;wherein the first surface of the bench is horizontal or inclined when inthe extended position; wherein the first surface of the bench is adaptedto support a torso of an exerciser when in the extended position;wherein the bench is positioned near the wall when in the retractedposition; wherein the front end of the bench is distally positioned awayfrom the wall when the bench is in the extended position; wherein therear end of the bench is closer to the wall than the front end of thebench when the bench is in the extended position; wherein the bench isvertically orientated when in the retracted position; wherein a distancefrom the wall to the front end of the bench is significantly less whenthe bench is in the retracted position than when the bench is in theextended position; a first support member pivotally attached to thebench; a second support member pivotally attached to the bench; whereinthe first support member and the second support member are not parallelto the first surface of the bench when the bench is in the extendedposition; wherein the first support member and the second support memberare parallel to the first surface of the bench when the bench is in theretracted position; and a first connector extending between the firstsupport member and the second support member, wherein the firstconnector ensures than the first support member and the second supportmember are aligned parallel with respect to one another when the benchis in the extended position and the retracted position.
 19. Theretractable wall mountable weightlifting bench of claim 18, wherein theseat is pivotally attached to the bench.
 20. A method of using theretractable wall mountable weightlifting bench of claim 18, comprising:moving the bench into the extended position; moving the seat into theinclined state; performing an exercise on the bench and the seat by theexerciser while the bench is in the extended position; moving the seatto the flat state; and moving the bench into the retracted position. 21.A retractable wall mountable weightlifting bench, comprising: a mountingbracket adapted to be attached to a wall; a bench having a firstsurface, a front end, a rear end opposite to the front end, a left sideand a right side opposite to the left side; wherein the bench iscomprised of a first segment pivotally attached to the mounting bracketabout a first horizontal axis and a second segment pivotally attached tothe first segment about a second horizontal axis; wherein the bench hasan extended position and a retracted position; wherein the first segmentand the second segment are parallel with respect to one another in boththe extended position and the retracted position; wherein the firstsegment and the second segment are folded in an overlapping manner whenin the retracted position; wherein the first surface of the bench ishorizontal or inclined when in the extended position; wherein the firstsurface of the bench is adapted to support a torso of an exerciser whenin the extended position; wherein the bench is positioned near the wallwhen in the retracted position; wherein the front end of the bench isdistally positioned away from the wall when the bench is in the extendedposition; wherein the rear end of the bench is closer to the wall thanthe front end of the bench when the bench is in the extended position;wherein the bench is vertically orientated when in the retractedposition; wherein a distance from the wall to the front end of the benchis significantly less when the bench is in the retracted position thanwhen the bench is in the extended position; a first support memberpivotally attached to the bench; and a seat movably attached to thebench near the front end of the bench, wherein the seat has a flat stateand an inclined state, wherein the seat is parallel to the first surfaceof the bench when in the flat state and wherein the seat is angled withrespect to the first surface of the bench when in the inclined state;wherein the first support member is not parallel to the first surface ofthe bench when the bench is in the extended position; wherein the firstsupport member is parallel to the first surface of the bench when thebench is in the retracted position.
 22. The retractable wall mountableweightlifting bench of claim 21, wherein the seat is pivotally attachedto the bench.
 23. A method of using the retractable wall mountableweightlifting bench of claim 21, comprising: moving the bench into theextended position; moving the seat into the inclined state; performingan exercise on the bench and the seat by the exerciser while the benchis in the extended position; moving the seat to the flat state; andmoving the bench into the retracted position.